Types of Driving Licences in the UAE
The automobile industry is continuously evolving and new types of vehicles are being introduced. Ranging from amphibious cars to flying ones, the options for future mobility are limitless. To cater to the ever-evolving industry, the UAE has segmented driving licences into different categories.
Each category permits drivers to operate a certain type of vehicle. That said, the categorisation not only helps with legalities but also reduces accident chances and other unplanned events.
Here, we have listed all the details regarding different types of driving licences in the UAE that are currently being provided to the residents.
UAE Driving Licence Categories
To get a driving licence in Dubai and other Emirates, residents are required to adhere to the guidelines drafted by the authorities. Once these requirements are catered, residents can choose from the following types of driver’s licences in the UAE.
Category 1: Motorcycles
The motorcycle licence is provided for two and three-wheeled motorcycles. To obtain this licence, the minimum age requirement is 17 years. Along with this, medical checkups, eye tests and motorcycle driving courses are also demanded. The authorities may ask for additional documents from the applicants. Here is how to get a motorcycle licence in Dubai.

Category 2: Light Travelling Vehicles (LTV)
The LTV licence category includes light vehicles weighing up to 3.5 tons. This category also includes all types of private cars like sedans, SUVs and mini-trucks. To acquire this licence, the applicant must be 18 years old and have passed theoretical and practical exams set by the authorities. If you are applying for the first time, browse through these tips to pass driving licence tests.
Category 3: Heavy Travelling Vehicles (HTV)
The third driving licence category in the UAE includes all types of heavy vehicles weighing more than 3.5 tons. The applicant must be 20 years of age at the time of applying and have cleared theoretical and practical tests. Aside from these conditions, the applicant must have a Category 2 driving licence for at least a year.
Passing an HTV driving test is difficult, as driving these vehicles requires a polished skill set. That said, it is recommended to practise adequately prior to attempting the final test. If you have already passed the test and do not own an HTV, browse through these used heavy vehicles for sale in the UAE and buy an HTV hassle-free.
Category 4: Buses
Buses with a seating capacity of more than 24 passengers are included in this category. Similar to the HTV licence, applicants must have a Category 2 licence when applying for this category. Moreover, the minimum age requirement is 21 years and all the theoretical and practical driving tests must be cleared. If you already have a licence, read through these tips for driving a bus safely on the roads.
Besides, if you are looking for buses to buy, browse through these used buses for sale in the UAE and choose an appropriate bus from an array of options.
Category 5: Light Trailers
The light trailer category includes trailers that weigh less than 750 kgs used for non-commercial purposes. The applicant must have a Category 2 licence to apply for a light trailer licence. Driving and controlling a heavy-duty vehicle is difficult even for professionals. That said, the authorities have strict regulations for granting licences for heavy vehicles like trailers.

Category 6: Heavy Trailers
Next on the UAE driving licence classification is the heavy trailers. The heavy trailers category includes trailers weighing more than 750 kg. This category licence is only provided to applicants who have a heavy-duty vehicle licence. Moreover, the applicant must have adequate driving skills to qualify for the test. In case, you already have a licence, then browse through these used heavy trailers for sale in the UAE and buy your own trailer without any hassle.
Category 7: Forklift
Forklifts are generally used in commercial spaces to move heavy stuff. Case in point, the applicant must be 20 years of age with enough knowledge of mechanics and transportation. Along with this, applicants must be able to operate and manoeuvre different types of forklifts. That said, here are some used forklifts for sale in the UAE that you can buy as per your budget.
Category 8: Heavy Forklift
The last type of driving licence in the UAE is the heavy forklift. For a heavy forklift licence, the minimum age requirement is 21 years. Aside from basic skills, the applicant must have previous experience operating a standard forklift when applying for the licence of heavy forklift.

FAQs
How many types of driving licences are there in the UAE?
There are 8 different types of driving licences in the UAE.
Do I need a licence to ride a motorcycle in the UAE?
Yes, you need a Category 1 licence to ride a motorcycle in the UAE.
What is necessary to get a car driving licence in the UAE?
To get a car driving licence, the applicant must be 18 years old. It is also necessary to take driving classes from a registered school and clear theoretical, practical and medical tests.
These were different types of driving licences in the UAE. The driving licence is a screening process which ensures that the applicant is suitable for driving a vehicle on the road. This reduces accident chances and maintains smooth traffic flow. Each type of vehicle has its own licence category; therefore, when buying a used car for sale in the UAE, make sure to confirm you have the proper category licence to drive it legally.
Besides, if you want more information regarding the type of vehicle that you are driving, read through our blog on UAE motor vehicle classification.
Stay tuned to dubizzle’s auto blog for more information on salon-type driving licences in the UAE.